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Premier Edition / August 2004 / Issue No. 1 |
Welcome to the first issue of the Thorburn Report. Each month, you can look forward to several sections, including:
1. Top Story of the month
2. Movie Review of the month
3. Dear Doug in which a
recent letter to “Dear Annie” or other “help” column is rewritten, with
responses given from the unique perspective that alcohol or other drug
addiction best explains the misbehaviors described
4. Alcoholic
Myth-of-the Month
5. Alcoholic Antic of-the-Month, usually
from Randy Cassingham’s on-line newsletter, This is
True
There will be something for
everyone!
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Accuser’s sex life will
be fair game at Bryant’s assault trial
Top
Story: Stating that the credibility of the accuser was a factor in the
Kobe Bryant case, the judge ruled July 23 that her sexual escapades (my
term) during the week preceding the alleged rape can be used against her.
The likelihood of multiple sex partners immediately before (and,
apparently, after) the event is an excellent clue to addiction because
wielding such sexual power can be very ego-inflating. A false accusation
would fit right in with the profile.
False accusations are
common to alcohol and other drug addicts and decidedly uncommon among
non-addicts. In a classic case, Charles Whitman, District Attorney of New
York, framed police lieutenant Charles Becker for murder in the early
1900s. As Becker’s wife pleaded for his life, Whitman, who had since
become Governor of New York, was so drunk he had to be held up by his
assistants. Becker was executed the next day.
In another tragic
case, Judy Johnson made the first accusation in the early 1980s against
the Buckey family in what became the McMartin Pre-School child abuse trial
in Manhattan Beach, California. Years later, the Buckey’s were exonerated
and Johnson, who had since committed suicide, was outed as a full-blown
addict. Yet at one point, an incredible 98% of Los Angeles County
residents believed accusations of abuse that almost everyone today views
as patently ridiculous. As I noted in my book How to Spot Hidden
Alcoholics, lies made by practicing addicts are often more believable
than truths told by non-addicts, even in a court of law.
The
fact that alcoholics find ego-gratification in making false accusations is
reason enough for backgrounds and reputations of accusers to be fair game
in every "he said/she said" trial. While the judge ruled for Kobe on
narrow circumstances having to do with bruises found on her that could
have been inflicted by a person other than Kobe, such rulings should be
standard fare.
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The
Count of Monte Cristo
Movie Review: This month’s movie fits right
in with the Kobe trial: the 2001 version of “The Count of Monte Cristo,”
with magnificent performances by Guy Pierce as Fernand Mandego and Jim
Caviezel (Christ in “The Passion of the Christ”) playing Edmund Dantes,
who later becomes the Count of Monte Cristo.
The story is
billed as one of revenge. Yet the more important aspect is alcoholic
egomania, taking form in betrayal and false accusations, embedded in a
great movie.
As with Al Pacino’s portrayal of Lt. Col. Frank
Slade in “Scent of a Woman,” most viewers didn’t pay attention to or
remember the alcoholism. Yet, when you rent the movie this weekend, it
will seem obvious. From the beginning, when he says “don’t expect me to do
this sober,” to an attempt to steal his best friend’s girlfriend, to the
Count’s party, Mandego is seen drinking or bringing the bottle in ways
suggestive of the idea that alcohol is a very important part of his life.
While Mandego is portrayed as obviously inebriated only once, real-life
alcoholic Henri Paul, Princess Diana’s driver, didn’t look drunk in the
hotel video immediately prior to the tragedy, despite a blood alcohol
level reported at .18 per cent (the equivalent of 12 shots of 80-proof
liquor in 4 hours for a 200-pound person). Yet bodyguard Trevor-Rees
Jones, who survived the crash, didn’t even know Paul had been drinking.
Early- to middle-stage alcoholics generally have extraordinarily high
tolerance.
Behavioral symptoms of alcoholism include Dantes
telling Mandego, “Being your friend is always an adventure,” as they drink
what appears to be wine (Dantes drinking non-alcoholically). Taking
inordinate risks in an effort to inflate the alcoholic ego can lead to
great adventure. When Mandego tries to steal away Dantes’ long-time
girlfriend, Mercedes, she reminds him of previous episodes and comments
made by Mandego that appeared to have been rooted in envy. The alcoholic
must always win, regardless of cost, which can include behaviors that make
it appear as though he covets the loves and lives of others. Near the end
of the story, Mandego admits to serial adultery, common in the lives of
alcoholics. His compulsive gambling, for which there is a 50% probability
of alcoholism, becomes obviously destructive. Falsely accusing his wife of
being a whore, he leaves home with bottle in hand. While “The Count of
Monte Cristo” appears to portray an extreme version of alcoholic behavior,
recovering alcoholics with ten or more years’ sobriety admit to having
been capable of “anything” while using.
After “Scent of a
Woman,” this may be the greatest portrayal of alcoholism ever in a movie,
providing a terrific example of the profoundly destructive effects of the
disease, which can reverberate for decades. And, it combines adventure
with a magnificent love story. Well worth your time.
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Dear
Doug: Workplace Bullies
Dear
Doug,
I was bullied by two co-workers for several years in my
office, which serves law enforcement. The co-workers threw objects at me,
slammed doors in my face, “accidentally” ran into me on many occasions and
stole personal items. Management refused to take the necessary action to
end the abuse. Deciding enough was enough, I took early retirement. I
can’t imagine why anyone would engage is such juvenile behavior. I’ve had
a difficult time recovering emotionally. While I don’t think they should
permanently get away with abusing others, I don’t look forward to waging a
legal battle. What should I do?
--Abused
. . .
. . .
Dear Abused,
Other columnists might
only ask if these co-workers think they are in junior high school.
Instead, I would suggest that their emotional growth was stunted due to
the likelihood of having triggered alcohol and other drug addiction in
adolescence. They act like adolescents because emotionally they are,
regardless of chronological age. In addition, due to distortions of
perception and memory, they think they do no wrong and have developed an
“I am better than you” attitude. Then of course they can abuse you—and
must, in an effort to inflate the inordinately large sense of
self-importance that is part and parcel of
alcoholism.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, both
alcoholics, are also reported to have thrown things and slammed doors.
Damaged walls and doors are often found in homes rented or even owned by
alcoholics. Over 80% of incidents involving violence, theft and other
criminal behaviors are committed by alcohol or other drug addicts. Imagine
the behaviors of your former co-workers behind closed doors if in a
position where they can get away with it, without fear of
consequences.
While the co-workers need consequences, if a
lawsuit isn’t worth your mental state, don’t do it. On the other hand, if
understanding the alcoholic need to wield power over others helps you to
better deal with your emotions, you might ask, “I wonder why I was given
this opportunity?” Perhaps the answer will be, to help administer the
consequences needed to inspire two likely alcoholics to get sober. Their
families, other co-workers and taxpayers would all benefit from improved
behaviors. Without intervention or until they enter latter-stage
addiction, which often occurs only in retirement, the behaviors will
probably worsen.
(Source for story idea: Annie’s Mailbox, July
21, 2004)
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Alcoholic Myth-of-the-Month: There are countless
myths about alcoholism. When I began writing my upcoming book, Myths
and Realities of Alcoholism: Removing the Stigma from Mankind’s Most
Destructive Disease, I figured I’d come up with a few dozen. I had to
stop at over 100. The problem with myths is that they often lead to
stigma, serving to reduce the odds of its identification in others.
Unidentified disease cannot be treated, and without treatment, tragedy
will inevitably occur. Therefore, the myths desperately need discrediting.
The tragedy of movie producer Don Simpson was one of those that might have
been prevented if close persons had identified addiction as the root of
practically all his other problems—and if those persons had forcefully and
without compromise intervened.
Film writer Robert Strauss, in a
piece on producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“The man with the ‘golden gut’,” Los
Angeles Daily News, July 11, 2004), wrote in regards to Bruckheimer’s
partner Don Simpson:
“An excess-loving and often abusive wild man in
the more stereotypical Hollywood egomaniac mold, Simpson, whose heart gave
out at the age of 52 in 1996, also showed Bruckheimer what not to
do.”
This description is filled with misinformation and
euphemisms, serving only to perpetuate the myths of alcoholism. Simpson’s
heart didn’t just “give out.” He was a multiple-drug addict, whose body
was found “loaded with a combination of prescription and nonprescription
medications,” including Cocaine, Unisom, Atarax/Vistaril, Librium, Valium,
Compazine, Xanax, Desyrel and Tigan. According to The Wall Street Journal,
he died of an overdose (March 27, 1996). Even if the immediate trigger was
that his “heart gave out,” the true underlying cause of death was drug
addiction. Euphemizing only confuses, keeping us from looking at addiction
as the source of many (if not most) of society’s ills, woes and
dysfunctions.
Yes, the addict in him loved “excess.” Because of
damage to the neo-cortex (the human part of the brain capable of reason
and logic), the limbic system (the reptilian brain responsible for
survival and impulsive actions and reactions) was allowed free
reign—resulting in behaviors that many would call
“excessive.”
While no doubt abusive, addiction drove this. The
real Don Simpson was likely a decent non-abusive person, as are most
addicts before their disease is triggered, as well as in recovery.
Likewise, addiction drives recklessness, which often looks like “wild
man.” While non-addicts can take excessive risks, it’s generally only with
their own lives, and usually well calculated. Addicts, on the other hand,
can be mindlessly unconcerned with the lives of others. They almost always
risk the safety of other people, if only by drinking beyond the legal
limit and driving, which the typical alcoholic does an average of 80 times
per year.
The “stereotypical Hollywood egomaniac mold” is one
of addiction. Alcoholism is generally triggered during the first drinking
episode, average age 13. Later, the alcoholic subconsciously asks himself,
what profession or occupation will allow me to inflate my ego by wielding
power over others? Those having a natural affinity for the arts become
actors and others in the film industry, excellent occupations from which
to wield power over fans and co-workers. Lucy Barry Robe in Co-Starring
Famous Women and Alcohol identified 30% of Academy Award winning
actors/actresses as having been alcohol or other drug addicts. Addiction
drives egomania; no wonder it’s the Hollywood stereotype. But it’s really
addiction and would, therefore, be more accurately described as the
“stereotypical Hollywood addiction mold.”
Finally, an addict
like Simpson couldn’t possibly have taught Bruckheimer what “not to do.”
The odds of Bruckheimer engaging in such behaviors are remote since it
appears he does not have the disease of addiction. An abusive egomaniac is
almost always an addict first. The addiction causes and fuels the egomania
that can result in multiple tragedies. As author James Graham wrote in
regards to a far more destructive alcoholic, Ted Bundy, tragedy would
likely have never occurred had diagnosis and intervention taken place
early in the course of the disease.
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Amazing Antics: Stories of Alcoholism-Driven
Behaviors
Disability — or not — is no impediment to
alcoholism
Story from This is True by Randy Cassingham, with
“tagline:”
“BACK SEAT DRIVER: Michael Johnston, 47, of
Peachtree City, GA, allegedly had too much to drink and thought it might
be best if he didn't drive. So he had his friend Samuel McClain, 35, drive
his golf cart for him; golf carts are common around Peachtree City.
Johnston, police say, gave McClain directions while McClain drove.
McClain's guide dog was along for the ride too -- McClain is blind. The s
werving duo managed to make it for about two miles before crashing into a
parked car. Both men were charged with reckless conduct. (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution) ...Next time let the dog drive.”
Usually,
the alcoholic will drink beyond the legal .08 per cent blood alcohol level
and drive without hesitation, typically doing so an estimated 80 times per
year. Letting the “other” person drive can be a sign that a person is not
alcoholic—unless that other person is blind. Symptoms of impaired judgment
manifest in countless ways; we need to be alert to the variations. This
is, truly, an original one.
In addition, the fact that the
blind McClain took the wheel shows either incredibly bad judgment on his
part, or alcoholically poor judgment. Having a disability does not provide
immunity to alcoholism. The great composer, Beethoven, was deaf and
alcoholic. The good news is that it wasn’t a blind Lt. Col. Frank Slade
driving 70 mph on city streets.
(“This is True” is copyright
2004 by Randy Cassingham, used with permission. See
http://www.thisistrue.com for free
subscriptions.)
Amazing Antics: Honorable
Mention
The Eastern Arizona Courier (June 14) reported on
an obscene gesture leading to a drug arrest on June
4.
Arresting officer Lance Shupe was heading back to his office
at the end of the day, when he tried passing Barbara A. Hill. While Hill
made it difficult to pass, Shupe was finally able to, at which point Hill
“decided to get right on me.” When he turned into his office, she honked
the horn and flipped him off. Shupe wisely decided he should consider an
arrest before going home and, making contact with her when she parked
nearby, smelled marijuana. Conducting a search, he found the drug along
with some methamphetamine and paraphernalia. In regards to getting flipped
the bird, Shupe was quoted as saying, “it’s OK to do it to the public, but
if you’re a police officer, sorry!”
Turns out, Hill already had
a suspended license for failing to file proof of financial responsibility,
as well as for speeding and reckless driving.
Her on-the-road
behaviors were symptomatic of addiction, starting with her refusal to let
someone pass. The apparent mind-set of, “I’m more important than you, so I
intend to stay ahead,” suggests a God-complex. Following too closely is
extremely suggestive of alcoholism, since not only was it done in
retaliation, but also because tailgating has been shown to indicate a 50%
likelihood of DUI. By themselves, obscene gestures indicate a 60%
probability of DUI which, in today’s day and age, strongly suggests
alcohol or other drug addiction. Prior acts involving financial
irresponsibility likely involve addiction half the time, as does reckless
driving. Calculating the odds that all those 50% and 60% figures add up to
alcoholism in the way I suggest in my book, Drunks, Drugs & Debits,
brings us to a 95% likelihood of addiction. That doesn’t count the fact of
(can we safely assume?) actually using an illegal substance such as
methamphetamines, which would bring us to as near 100% as you can
get.
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to answer a question that has been all-but-ignored by similar
organizations: what does alcoholism look like before it becomes
obvious?
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